Like most industries involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, the aerospace talent pool isn't as large as some manufacturers would like.
That's in part why Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., an aircraft manufacturer, is bringing its Student Leadership Program to North Texas. Gulfstream — a Savannah, Georgia-based subsidiary of General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) — hopes its program will increase the aerospace talent pool by teaching Dallas high schoolers about the industry and the jobs it has to offer.
"We're being very proactive in looking at our future headcount needs," said Mark Bennett, senior manager for community investment for Gulfstream.
In its first year, the company said 300 teenagers will go through the program in North Texas. The company partnered with three high schools in the Dallas Independent School District, Lincoln High School, James Madison High School and Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, who will identify which students they think would benefit most from learning more about the aerospace industry.
The program launched in Savannah ten years ago and since then has also been implemented in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Brunswick, Georgia.
"We're preparing them for work readiness and we can instill leadership skills and provide in-depth information as far as the aviation and aerospace industry," said Al Wright, a community specialist who serves as the coordinator for the Dallas program.
The program will bring students to Gulfstream's facility in Dallas where it has 650 employees and contractors. In Dallas, the company has a service center and a mid-cabin completion facility.
One of the main reasons behind the program is sharing information. Many times students don't know what path to take if they want to pursue a career in aerospace.
"The post curriculum helps them identify what kind of license they need," Bennett said. "Maybe they go to a technical college for a license or certificate, or maybe they need a four-year degree, or maybe it's a direct-hire job."
"If some of these students select a career at Gulfstream, that's even better," he added. "But the main goal is to help the student identify his or her career option or plan for after high school."
